BBC1's Cowboy Trap: A Conservatory Project

The programme is designed to help homeowner’s who have been badly let down with their building projects.

Owner Colin Thompson of Newshot, Surrey decided to complete his 160 year renovated cottage with a brand new conservatory - At a cost of £13,000.

Unfortunately for Colin, the project was completed to a very poor standard. When it rained, the roof leaked, causing damage to the walls. Despite a 10 year warranty, the installer would not return to re-assess the work. The programme illustrates the importance of ensuring you appoint a fully vetted conservatory installer, for full piece of mind and to achieve a quality result.

The programme also provides the following key tips to appointing your conservatory installer:

Check your builder’s paperwork

Check your builder is properly registered

Check the terms and conditions of any guarantee given

Ensure you get a guarantee from the manufacturer

The great news for Colin was that Mark Hanson from Ultraframe was able to fully appraise the conservatory project and identified the main failures of the installation. In addition, Colin was thrilled to learn that his roof was to be replaced with an Ultraframe conservatory roof.

Steering Clear of Conservatory Cowboys: How You Can Stay Safe

In addition to the points covered in the BBC’s ‘Cowboy Trap’ documentary, there are other common-sense steps you can take to make sure you’re adequately protected before parting with your hard-earned money.

Below are some basic tips that will allow you to perform basic checks before instructing a conservatory company installer to undertake work – whether you choose an approved Ultra Installer or someone else.

What Do Their Customers Say About Them?

Even if the conservatory quote your proposed installer has given you is tempting, you’ll still want to verify the quality of their work. You can discover their local reputation easily by looking at testimonials left by customers they’ve completed work for.

Sometimes, a reputable installer will publish testimonials on their website. If they have a Facebook page or Twitter page, check this out too. If they have a showroom, visit the showroom to see the products on display and other installation testimonials.

What Accreditations or Memberships Do They Hold?

When searching for trustworthy conservatory installers, check what accreditations or memberships they hold. For example, they may be members of the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman (DGCOS) scheme.

If you use an installer that’s DGCOS registered:

You’ll know that they’ve been vetted and will complete work to a high standard

You’ll have access to a free consumer advice line if you have any concerns

You’ll be able to buy with confidence with an Insurance Backed Guarantee

You’ll be able to tap into a free mediation service to resolve a dispute

Other schemes and accreditations exist. Look for the relevant logo on your installer’s website and follow the link through to the website in question, so you can learn about the protection that organisation/scheme offers and testimonials from other homeowners about installations.

When you use our search tool, you’ll gain access to a nationwide network of accredited installers that have been approved by Ultraframe and Which? Trusted Traders and meet our high standards. They also need to prove their competence on an ongoing basis. Ultraframe’s scheme has been approved by Which? Trusted Trader, too. This means you can instruct your conservatory installation company with confidence – knowing they are reputable and will complete the work to a high standard.

Ultraframe’s scheme has been approved by Which? Trusted Trader, too. This means you can instruct your conservatory installation company with confidence – knowing they are reputable and will complete the work to a high standard.

Is the Conservatory Quote They’ve Given You Reasonable?

Unless you speak to more than one conservatory installer, you won’t know whether your quote is reasonable or not. We would recommend talking to at about three companies so that you can get an idea of scale. Otherwise, you could up paying more for your conservatory than you need to.

What Guarantee Does Your New Conservatory Come With?

All Ultraframe products come with manufacturer guarantees for the roof for your peace of mind. Ask your chosen installer what guarantees come as standard with your purchase. If you have chosen Ultraframe as your manufacturer of choice, you may you may want to verify that your installer is using genuine products built and designed by us. You can contact us directly if you have concerns and need further reassurance.

Find an Accredited Ultra Installer Today

Find a trusted and pre-vetted Ultra Installer near you today. Use our free search tool to find companies in your area that can offer advice about our range of conservatories, replacement conservatory roofs, house extensions and more.

To interact with Ultraframe directly, please fill out the form presented when you reach the end of your search. We will then contact you with more information about the conservatory products you’ve expressed an interest in.

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